August in Costa Rica – The Best Time to Go

Although it’s winter as far as Ticos are concerned a trip to the beach fits perfectly into the mid-summer routine for north Americans and Europeans.

Any of our “Best Trips Ever” work well in August with sun and surf in the mornings and afternoon rains to green up the tropical foliage and cool things off. We think it’s one of the best times to visit and happily trade a brief storm or two to avoid the premium prices and crowds around Christmas, New Years, Easter and Spring Break in the high season.

Costa Rica Weather in August

Both August and July typically have nicer weather than the months before and after. It is the middle of the rainy season but many years there is a lull in the rains starting in July and ending in August – especially in Guanacaste. Costa Ricans call this little dry season veranillo, and if you’re lucky you won’t need your umbrella at all on a visit to the northwest.

The Caribbean side is creeping up on the sunny weather that’s normal in September and it’s one of our favorite destinations in August.

The majority of the rain falls in the afternoon or overnight everywhere in Costa Rica. The hot August sun evaporates moisture from the sea and rain forest canopy creating a layer of warm moist air that rises as the day progresses. As the air rises it expands and cools causing the water to condense out forming clouds. Later in the day as the temperatures fall the air can hold even less water and some of it falls as rain.

The rains are frequent enough to cool things off a bit on the beaches and in the lowlands with highs around 84 to 90 °F (29-32 °C) followed by overnight averages of 69 to 77 °F (21-25 °C). Average temperatures around the central valley are usually 75 to 85 °F (24-29 °C) this time of year and it cools off more at night.

Planning Ahead & Reservations

Input activities and what you want to see and the Costa Rica Time Machine outputs a where, when and how travel plan.

In general “green season” (rainy season) vacations are gaining popularity in Costa Rica, but August is still pretty relaxed and it’s unlikely you’ll absolutely have to make advanced reservations anywhere. If you want the flexibility of traveling without a fixed itinerary or reservations August is a good choice.

Costs & Availability for Travel in August

Outdated info may suggest that August is a “low season” bargain but August has become one of the most popular months for travel and bargains are few and far between.

Airfare is generally cheaper when purchased in advance but August is often featured in last minute sales. It’s worth setting a notification six or eight months in advance on a fare watcher site like kayak.com if you’re thinking about heading down in August.

The predicted exchange rate is shown at the top of the calendar below.

Alternatives to August in Costa Rica

If your vacation time doesn’t fall in August try July – it has similar weather (slightly drier), the big surf swells and some of the low season discounts. May, June and November are also alternatives, each with a little more rain but even fewer people.

NOAA projects that early 2018 will be a La Nada year (El Niño Southern Oscillation – Neutral) which means it’s particularly unpredictable later in the year and you should check back in April or May for an El Niño update.

Virgen de Los Angeles – National holiday celebrating the patron saint of Costa Rica, La Negrita. Special masses and a religious procession from San José to La Basilica de Cartago. Pilgrims come from all over the country, many on foot to celebrate the mass at Cartago.

The more solid color shown the more likely the event, the more shaded the less likely.

Baby turtles hatch (usually at night) after approximately 50-70 days incubation so look for nesting activity on the calendar two months prior to your visit if you’d like to see the little ones popping out of the sand..

Holidays – Bold indicates a government & bank holiday when most businesses are closed and buses may run on limited schedules.

Fiesta and local festival dates are approximate – most include events spread over a week or two so check the schedule locally for more information.